Richard Simmons' Classic Citrus Salad
A refreshing citrus and spinach salad with red onion and walnuts, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette—perfect for a light, healthy, and flavorful meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk together vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, pepper, and olive oil to make the dressing.
- Arrange spinach leaves, orange segments, red onion slices, and chopped walnuts in a serving bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a zesty twist, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing. If you're out of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works well as a substitute. Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado or nuts for extra texture. This salad is great for meal prep; just keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a refreshing starter or a light lunch on its own. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal. Consider serving with a slice of crusty bread or alongside a bowl of soup for a complete dining experience. For a special twist, serve it alongside Farmer'S Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If the dressing is mixed in, the spinach may wilt, so consider keeping it separate until you're ready to eat. To refresh the salad, add a splash of fresh vinegar or a bit more olive oil before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Richard Simmons' Classic Citrus Salad contains roughly 450 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but it's best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving. This helps to prevent the spinach from wilting and keeps the salad fresh. You can store the dressing in a small jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What can I substitute for spinach?
If you want to switch it up, arugula or mixed greens can be used instead of spinach. They will add different flavors and textures to the salad. You could also try using kale, but be sure to massage it with the dressing for a softer texture.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this salad is suitable for vegan recipes as it contains no animal products. The dressing is made with olive oil and vinegar, both of which are vegan-friendly. Just ensure that any additional toppings you use, like nuts or seeds, are also vegan.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).